Back to work today, although as I wasn't starting until 11:30 I managed to get a lot of little jobs done that I needed to. It's really starting to feel boring and domestic!
At work today, I made a chai tea and some crème brulees and took a few reservations. This is the first shift I've done when I've been able to stay and take advantage of my 50% off at the end of a shift. I had pad thai, it was delicious and I ate the whole plateful!
I had an appointment at the bank next to see if I can get a credit card. It seems that either I don't earn enough money or I don't have the right paperwork to prove it. As my rent is "all in" I'll have to try and find out how much of my payment is actually for rent and not bills, if I reduce what counts as my rent this might give me a loophole. Then I'll have to wait until I've actually got some payslips and take all this into the bank. It sounds a bit faffy, but then I'm surprised they will even let foreigners on temporary visas have any credit so I can't really complain too much. She suggested I get myself more hours of work, but I definitely don't want to do that!
On the way home, I did my shopping, then I made sandwiches for my Running Room shifts, cooked dinner and then ate copious amounts of cheesecake! A fairly slow day, but I needed one.
I know I still haven't got round to taking any photos of my new home, but I felt like being lazy, eating cheesecake and trying to plan the rest of my week out instead.
I also had a look at the Iron Horse website again as I got an email from them the other day with more info. The countdown clock is a bit daunting.
I miss doing races where I know loads of people.
Monday, 30 September 2013
Sunday, 29 September 2013
Day 28: Zoo!
So, as it's Sunday, I obviously went for a long run in the morning. I dressed for how the weather has been so far, and ended up fairly cold as it was rainy and windy for the first time! I am a little bit worried about my knee (I.T. band) as it really struggles with downhill/stairs but as it doesn't actually stop me running it can't be that bad.
One of the ladies I ended up running with lent me one of her arm warmers, so at least one arm was not so cold. she also gave me a lift home for the last 2k. She is training for the New York Marathon in November and is pretty speedy up the hills!
Once I got home, showered and fed, I met up with some couchsurfers to go to the zoo, as today lots of cultural things in Edmonton are free. As there were a few of us, coming from different directions, it took quite a long time so it was 3pm before we got there. our group was an English (me), a Croatian (who I hadn't met before), an Estonian, an Indonesian and a Brazilian. The zoo was crowded (as it was free!), and some sections were closed for renovations, but it was still good and the sun had come out by then. They had Sichuan Takin, which I had never even heard of before and they are hard to describe. A bit like a buffalo I guess, and they burp.
As well as the usual zoo stuff they had some Canadian animals, the owls were pretty and the arctic foxes and prairie dogs were cute. There were special stands and people around to give extra information and "hands-on" things. One lady said her idea for environmental campaigning is that sea level rising will wipe out Florida, so she will go for a "Save Disneyworld" approach to try to get people to care more.
I liked the capybara, red pandas and spider monkeys too.
I think I'm becoming less of a tourist as I didn't bother taking any photos.
I was just going to go home afterwards and do housework, but we decided to go for dinner in the High Level Diner, which was really nice, and then some of us went to see a free film just up the road as part of the film festival.
It was a road trip comedy filmed entirely in Alberta, called The Road to Saddle River. Terry in particular found it hilarious and laughed hysterically all the way through. Some of the actors and the writer came up on the stage at the end too. The film is 20 years old and they had to show it in that particular cinema as they don't have a digital version so they needed a projector to show it.
I really enjoyed it today, but I'm so tired now and I still haven't done any of the chores I needed to do.
Ah well...
One of the ladies I ended up running with lent me one of her arm warmers, so at least one arm was not so cold. she also gave me a lift home for the last 2k. She is training for the New York Marathon in November and is pretty speedy up the hills!
Once I got home, showered and fed, I met up with some couchsurfers to go to the zoo, as today lots of cultural things in Edmonton are free. As there were a few of us, coming from different directions, it took quite a long time so it was 3pm before we got there. our group was an English (me), a Croatian (who I hadn't met before), an Estonian, an Indonesian and a Brazilian. The zoo was crowded (as it was free!), and some sections were closed for renovations, but it was still good and the sun had come out by then. They had Sichuan Takin, which I had never even heard of before and they are hard to describe. A bit like a buffalo I guess, and they burp.
As well as the usual zoo stuff they had some Canadian animals, the owls were pretty and the arctic foxes and prairie dogs were cute. There were special stands and people around to give extra information and "hands-on" things. One lady said her idea for environmental campaigning is that sea level rising will wipe out Florida, so she will go for a "Save Disneyworld" approach to try to get people to care more.
I liked the capybara, red pandas and spider monkeys too.
I think I'm becoming less of a tourist as I didn't bother taking any photos.
I was just going to go home afterwards and do housework, but we decided to go for dinner in the High Level Diner, which was really nice, and then some of us went to see a free film just up the road as part of the film festival.
It was a road trip comedy filmed entirely in Alberta, called The Road to Saddle River. Terry in particular found it hilarious and laughed hysterically all the way through. Some of the actors and the writer came up on the stage at the end too. The film is 20 years old and they had to show it in that particular cinema as they don't have a digital version so they needed a projector to show it.
I really enjoyed it today, but I'm so tired now and I still haven't done any of the chores I needed to do.
Ah well...
Day 27: My first race
Despite only entering the race on Thursday, I had still forgotten about it by Saturday and had to faff about in the morning getting some kit together.
It seemed fairly quiet at work and I was mostly in the back room rearranging shoe boxes again. For some time I was going to OCD levels and getting them all into size order. There was a new girl starting so I'm not the newest anymore. I saw her on Wednesday at run club too.
I finished work half an hour early so I could change and jog over for the race. It was called sight night and was raising money for blind sports in Alberta. I thought it started at 7pm, which seemed early for a night race but that was what the leaflet said, however it actually started at 7:30 so I could have finished my shift at work instead of sitting around getting cold.
Once the race actually started, it was lovely. The marshals were all very enthusiastic and the route was all wooded trails. There was one section that we looped round twice to do 8k while others did it once to do 5k and this involved crossing over the river and back again with a lovely view of the city lighting up and the river at sunset. The race came with a free head torch, which was handy from about 4k into the race and means I now own a head torch of my very own!
It was quite a small race so I was running on my own for quite a while until I looped round again and started seeing the slower runners and walkers and I was cheered over the finish line by a gang of cheerleaders before heading over for my free burger, cookie and fruit.
To avoid getting cold again, I didn't hang around for too long and started jogging/walking back home (slowly as I'd just eaten).
That was a long day so all my housework and errands will just have to wait.
It seemed fairly quiet at work and I was mostly in the back room rearranging shoe boxes again. For some time I was going to OCD levels and getting them all into size order. There was a new girl starting so I'm not the newest anymore. I saw her on Wednesday at run club too.
I finished work half an hour early so I could change and jog over for the race. It was called sight night and was raising money for blind sports in Alberta. I thought it started at 7pm, which seemed early for a night race but that was what the leaflet said, however it actually started at 7:30 so I could have finished my shift at work instead of sitting around getting cold.
Once the race actually started, it was lovely. The marshals were all very enthusiastic and the route was all wooded trails. There was one section that we looped round twice to do 8k while others did it once to do 5k and this involved crossing over the river and back again with a lovely view of the city lighting up and the river at sunset. The race came with a free head torch, which was handy from about 4k into the race and means I now own a head torch of my very own!
It was quite a small race so I was running on my own for quite a while until I looped round again and started seeing the slower runners and walkers and I was cheered over the finish line by a gang of cheerleaders before heading over for my free burger, cookie and fruit.
To avoid getting cold again, I didn't hang around for too long and started jogging/walking back home (slowly as I'd just eaten).
That was a long day so all my housework and errands will just have to wait.
Saturday, 28 September 2013
Day 26 (and 25)
So, Thursday I went to work at the Running Room, as usual. When there are races in Canada they don't post out your race number in advance like in the UK, you are supposed to go and collect it in advance and this is usually from the Running Room. There are three races this weekend so there were three tables set up, manned by volunteers, for people to go and collect their race numbers. Despite this it was still fairly quiet in the shop, but at the end of my shift I entered one of the races.
After work, I went to the CS meet up. There were some people there I had met before and some I hadn't which is always nice, and I had invited Aimee from Wednesday night as well. I had to miss out on the salsa dancing they were all going to afterwards though, as Friday was my first day at Lazia. Hopefully they will go again another time so I don't miss out.
Friday was also really busy, and it looks like things will be really busy all the time now as I will be working six days a week. I was working at Lazia from 9:30 so that they could teach me all the jobs they do before the restaurant opens at 11am. It felt very strange walking to the train station in "going out" clothes, as I don't usually wear dresses and make-up every day but that's the dress code. I think one day I'm going to end up in the wrong outfits at work and turn up to the running Room in a dress or Lazia in jeans and t-shirt. It was extremely busy in the restaurant so the manager was very stressed but time flew. I mostly showed people to tables and helped clear tables so more people could be shown to tables. Hopefully when it's slightly less busy I'll be able to learn more coffees or make desserts.
Before I found out I had the job and knew I was working Friday, I had agreed to meet Fabio as he's stuck at home bored after knee surgery. We went to the Duchess Bakery, which is really nice! I was starving by the time I got there so ate a huge lunch and bought two cakes to take away and eat later. These turned into my dinner as I ended up not having much time.
There was a free film being shown on a giant screen in Churchill Square so I went out to see that. I was still in the same clothes, I just changed my shoes and wore a thicker jacket to keep me warm. It was called Dear Frankie and I recommend it. This is the start of the Edmonton Film Festival, so hopefully I'll be able to see some more films.
I also noticed that it was exactly one month until my birthday! Where has September disappeared to?
I knew Cecily and Sascha were going to be in a bar nearby, so after the film finished I took some of the couchsurfers in that direction with me. My housemate had been volunteering as a barman at an art gallery event, so as he knew Cecily too, and the art gallery people were also going to the same bar, he joined us too. We had some drinks and a catch up, then a few of us headed over to another bar on Whyte ave for a bit longer.
Apparently a post card has arrived for me at Cecily's place! Can't wait to get it and read it.
Right, it's Saturday morning now, so I've got to head off to work and then that race I mentioned...
After work, I went to the CS meet up. There were some people there I had met before and some I hadn't which is always nice, and I had invited Aimee from Wednesday night as well. I had to miss out on the salsa dancing they were all going to afterwards though, as Friday was my first day at Lazia. Hopefully they will go again another time so I don't miss out.
Friday was also really busy, and it looks like things will be really busy all the time now as I will be working six days a week. I was working at Lazia from 9:30 so that they could teach me all the jobs they do before the restaurant opens at 11am. It felt very strange walking to the train station in "going out" clothes, as I don't usually wear dresses and make-up every day but that's the dress code. I think one day I'm going to end up in the wrong outfits at work and turn up to the running Room in a dress or Lazia in jeans and t-shirt. It was extremely busy in the restaurant so the manager was very stressed but time flew. I mostly showed people to tables and helped clear tables so more people could be shown to tables. Hopefully when it's slightly less busy I'll be able to learn more coffees or make desserts.
Before I found out I had the job and knew I was working Friday, I had agreed to meet Fabio as he's stuck at home bored after knee surgery. We went to the Duchess Bakery, which is really nice! I was starving by the time I got there so ate a huge lunch and bought two cakes to take away and eat later. These turned into my dinner as I ended up not having much time.
There was a free film being shown on a giant screen in Churchill Square so I went out to see that. I was still in the same clothes, I just changed my shoes and wore a thicker jacket to keep me warm. It was called Dear Frankie and I recommend it. This is the start of the Edmonton Film Festival, so hopefully I'll be able to see some more films.
I also noticed that it was exactly one month until my birthday! Where has September disappeared to?
I knew Cecily and Sascha were going to be in a bar nearby, so after the film finished I took some of the couchsurfers in that direction with me. My housemate had been volunteering as a barman at an art gallery event, so as he knew Cecily too, and the art gallery people were also going to the same bar, he joined us too. We had some drinks and a catch up, then a few of us headed over to another bar on Whyte ave for a bit longer.
Apparently a post card has arrived for me at Cecily's place! Can't wait to get it and read it.
Right, it's Saturday morning now, so I've got to head off to work and then that race I mentioned...
Friday, 27 September 2013
Day 25: busy busy
I'll have to update this with two day's worth later as I've been very busy.
I am still alive but rushing around a lot!
I am still alive but rushing around a lot!
Wednesday, 25 September 2013
Day 24: Job number 2!
Today started off with me running late for my "interview". luckily I only arrived a couple of minutes late and nobody seemed to notice. I really like getting the LRT (train) over the river, its a wonderful view. Even better yesterday evening as the sun was setting.
The idea today was that they liked me in the interview last week, especially my accent, but were a bit concerned that I had no direct experience of restaurants. They wanted to give me a chance so today they would show me everything I would need to learn and see how I cope, then decide whether to give me a job or not.
Its a really busy restaurant and seemed like it was full most of the time. I would be a hostess, greeting people, showing them to their tables, answering the phone and making reservations. Task one was learning the table layouts and numbering, which I think I managed, but that was just the beginning. Also part of the job is making coffees, plating up the desserts and decorating them, cleaning and setting the tables and countless other little tasks. I think I got to have a go at most things, it was fun and time flew. Before I knew it things were quieting down again and the lunchtime service was coming to an end. I've had three weeks of not wearing heels at all so I felt very tall and my feet were starting to ache a little, but everyone had been really nice to me. Then the manager said that they would like to offer me the job! She even bought my lunch for me (ginger beef - a Canadian/Asian dish). My first paid shift will be Friday, so this is going to be a very busy week. Looks like from now on I could be working six days a week (plus long run on Sunday), although it'll only be a few hours at the restaurant each time. Phew!
I left early to go to the Running Room for the Wednesday night hill session so that I could do some shopping beforehand, using my lovely staff discount. I get 50% off their own brand, which means I don't have to wait for sales like I usually do. I'm enjoying the hills much more now its cooler, and I met a girl who was on the same flight to Edmonton as me, is also here for a one year "working holiday" and is called... Aimee!
This has taken me ages to type as I've had to stop Oscar from trying to "help". He is still struggling to climb as much since he's had his manicure so makes me laugh by falling off things. He also got lost inside my duvet cover for a while. I keep promising to take photos but I still haven't got round to it, sorry.
The idea today was that they liked me in the interview last week, especially my accent, but were a bit concerned that I had no direct experience of restaurants. They wanted to give me a chance so today they would show me everything I would need to learn and see how I cope, then decide whether to give me a job or not.
Its a really busy restaurant and seemed like it was full most of the time. I would be a hostess, greeting people, showing them to their tables, answering the phone and making reservations. Task one was learning the table layouts and numbering, which I think I managed, but that was just the beginning. Also part of the job is making coffees, plating up the desserts and decorating them, cleaning and setting the tables and countless other little tasks. I think I got to have a go at most things, it was fun and time flew. Before I knew it things were quieting down again and the lunchtime service was coming to an end. I've had three weeks of not wearing heels at all so I felt very tall and my feet were starting to ache a little, but everyone had been really nice to me. Then the manager said that they would like to offer me the job! She even bought my lunch for me (ginger beef - a Canadian/Asian dish). My first paid shift will be Friday, so this is going to be a very busy week. Looks like from now on I could be working six days a week (plus long run on Sunday), although it'll only be a few hours at the restaurant each time. Phew!
I left early to go to the Running Room for the Wednesday night hill session so that I could do some shopping beforehand, using my lovely staff discount. I get 50% off their own brand, which means I don't have to wait for sales like I usually do. I'm enjoying the hills much more now its cooler, and I met a girl who was on the same flight to Edmonton as me, is also here for a one year "working holiday" and is called... Aimee!
This has taken me ages to type as I've had to stop Oscar from trying to "help". He is still struggling to climb as much since he's had his manicure so makes me laugh by falling off things. He also got lost inside my duvet cover for a while. I keep promising to take photos but I still haven't got round to it, sorry.
Day 23: Routine
I tried a different route to work today and spotted a travel agent. Made a mental note to check it out properly later. This was the first day of work that I didn't have to go and buy lunch as I had a sandwich and an apple with me.
Most of my day was taken up with counting shoes, putting out new stock and general faffing. It was a very quiet day. On my way home, I bought more food to stock up with and picked up a card in the travel agents for future quotes, then I went straight back out again to have a meal out.
I met Tamara at my first Couchsurfing meeting and she is doing the same sort of thing as me, going to Australia for a year. This is her last week so she invited me and a bunch of her friends for sushi. I ate far too much and was quite glad of the walk from the bus stop home followed by stretching out on the floor (which turned me into a climbing frame for Oscar) but I did connect with another couchsurfer from another part of Canada who is here looking for a job, so we should be able to meet up and compare job hunting stories and hang out. I don't think I'm very good at making new friends so this seems really good to me.
Most of my day was taken up with counting shoes, putting out new stock and general faffing. It was a very quiet day. On my way home, I bought more food to stock up with and picked up a card in the travel agents for future quotes, then I went straight back out again to have a meal out.
I met Tamara at my first Couchsurfing meeting and she is doing the same sort of thing as me, going to Australia for a year. This is her last week so she invited me and a bunch of her friends for sushi. I ate far too much and was quite glad of the walk from the bus stop home followed by stretching out on the floor (which turned me into a climbing frame for Oscar) but I did connect with another couchsurfer from another part of Canada who is here looking for a job, so we should be able to meet up and compare job hunting stories and hang out. I don't think I'm very good at making new friends so this seems really good to me.
Monday, 23 September 2013
Day 22: Confession
So, I have now been in Canada three weeks, and my new home three days. As I wasn't working today, I had a long "to do" list, but managed to avoid doing most of it.
I cooked myself a nice fried breakfast, my first home-cooked meal, then headed back to the supermarket. Then I faffed about at home or on the internet and unpacked a bit while waiting for my laundry to finish. Instead of heading to the shops or any of the other tasks on my list, I had lunch (green onion cakes I'd bought at the supermarket), then met Fabio (one of the Brazilians) for a hot chocolate as he's had knee surgery and been stuck at home getting bored. We went to a really nice chocolate shop where I bought a bag of chocolates. They have not lasted out the day! yum yum.
I cooked a stir fry (from a jar of sauce, nothing too adventurous) for myself and my new housemate, Tim. Oscar (the kitten) gets locked in the bathroom while there is food going on or it's impossible to eat. He has met the upstairs pets today, and had his claws trimmed, so he is a bit less boisterous after all that shock. Maybe he will be less likely to leave claw marks in me now! he's still really cute though.
I do have a confession: I may have entered myself into an ultra race. It's called the Iron Horse Ultra in two weeks time in St. Paul, about a two hour drive away, and its 100k.
This was a really really bad idea.
It would have been a great idea if I had trained all summer like I had planned to. Because I didn't train, I thought I probably shouldn't do it, but thought I'd look into it anyway. I assumed it wouldn't be possible as I'd left it very late so I'd have nowhere to stay etc. so this would give me a good excuse that wasn't my own fault.
However... the race organisers turned out to be really lovely. They found me a place to stay and a couple of guys from Edmonton offered me a lift there, so faced with such generosity I couldn't turn them down.
I have tried to convince myself that it will be a great way to see the Alberta countryside and I don't HAVE to finish the race, I can just go as far as I can manage and then stop, yet I have still been avoiding mentioning that I have entered this race and am feeling a bit ashamed of myself for not training properly and taking it as seriously as I should. They have a very good completion rate, which I will probably mess up, and if I do finish, I'll probably not be able to run for ages afterwards!
Another bonus is that St. Paul is home to the UFO museum, which sounds pretty awesome.
I cooked myself a nice fried breakfast, my first home-cooked meal, then headed back to the supermarket. Then I faffed about at home or on the internet and unpacked a bit while waiting for my laundry to finish. Instead of heading to the shops or any of the other tasks on my list, I had lunch (green onion cakes I'd bought at the supermarket), then met Fabio (one of the Brazilians) for a hot chocolate as he's had knee surgery and been stuck at home getting bored. We went to a really nice chocolate shop where I bought a bag of chocolates. They have not lasted out the day! yum yum.
I cooked a stir fry (from a jar of sauce, nothing too adventurous) for myself and my new housemate, Tim. Oscar (the kitten) gets locked in the bathroom while there is food going on or it's impossible to eat. He has met the upstairs pets today, and had his claws trimmed, so he is a bit less boisterous after all that shock. Maybe he will be less likely to leave claw marks in me now! he's still really cute though.
I do have a confession: I may have entered myself into an ultra race. It's called the Iron Horse Ultra in two weeks time in St. Paul, about a two hour drive away, and its 100k.
This was a really really bad idea.
It would have been a great idea if I had trained all summer like I had planned to. Because I didn't train, I thought I probably shouldn't do it, but thought I'd look into it anyway. I assumed it wouldn't be possible as I'd left it very late so I'd have nowhere to stay etc. so this would give me a good excuse that wasn't my own fault.
However... the race organisers turned out to be really lovely. They found me a place to stay and a couple of guys from Edmonton offered me a lift there, so faced with such generosity I couldn't turn them down.
I have tried to convince myself that it will be a great way to see the Alberta countryside and I don't HAVE to finish the race, I can just go as far as I can manage and then stop, yet I have still been avoiding mentioning that I have entered this race and am feeling a bit ashamed of myself for not training properly and taking it as seriously as I should. They have a very good completion rate, which I will probably mess up, and if I do finish, I'll probably not be able to run for ages afterwards!
Another bonus is that St. Paul is home to the UFO museum, which sounds pretty awesome.
Day 21: Sunday long run
This was the first time going for a run from my new house, and I ended up faffing a lot, leaving late and having to run really quickly to get there in time. I partly blame Oscar the cat for not letting me eat my breakfast in peace.
My group were running 29k and, again, I regretted not bringing my camera with me as there were some amazing views. Towards the end, two ladies said they were going to do an extra 3k to fit in with their training plans (New York mara and a 50k trail race) so I tagged along with them before heading back home. All of the Running Room groups do a 10min run, 1min walk strategy, which I kinda like.
Next I went to the café up the road to get lunch, which was very nice, had a sunny patio to sit on, and it was quite late by then so I was hungry, then I carried on to the supermarket. I have so much to buy that I will have to go back tomorrow but at least now I can start cooking again instead of eating out a lot.
I was going to spend the afternoon unpacking etc. but instead ended up going for a walk with one of my Brazilian friends, which meant I got to explore the nearby trails and plan some exciting run routes. He persuaded me to stay out and have dinner as well so I guess cooking AND unpacking can both start tomorrow. Oh how I love putting things off.
On that note, I still haven't taken photos of my new place, I will soon!
My group were running 29k and, again, I regretted not bringing my camera with me as there were some amazing views. Towards the end, two ladies said they were going to do an extra 3k to fit in with their training plans (New York mara and a 50k trail race) so I tagged along with them before heading back home. All of the Running Room groups do a 10min run, 1min walk strategy, which I kinda like.
Next I went to the café up the road to get lunch, which was very nice, had a sunny patio to sit on, and it was quite late by then so I was hungry, then I carried on to the supermarket. I have so much to buy that I will have to go back tomorrow but at least now I can start cooking again instead of eating out a lot.
I was going to spend the afternoon unpacking etc. but instead ended up going for a walk with one of my Brazilian friends, which meant I got to explore the nearby trails and plan some exciting run routes. He persuaded me to stay out and have dinner as well so I guess cooking AND unpacking can both start tomorrow. Oh how I love putting things off.
On that note, I still haven't taken photos of my new place, I will soon!
Sunday, 22 September 2013
Day 20: working on a saturday
To finish off day 19 first: Salim arrived to collect me and my belongings and it turns out that he knows Cecily from Uni! Small world.
Moved all my bags into my new room, which is much bigger than I remembered and then instantly got distracted by the kitten! He is called Oscar and he is very cute, I will send pictures to prove it soon. No time to unpack or sort anything out as there was a CS BBQ party to go to, which I invited Salim to as well. It was a really nice little party with some people I'd met before and some I hadn't.
The next morning I had to get up bright and early for my first Saturday shift at the Running Room. As I haven't bought any food yet, I got up extra early to look for somewhere for breakfast and found a lovely place near the corner of Whyte avenue (where all the hipsters and students hang out). I spent most of the day moving shoe boxes around and kinda enjoyed it really, although by 6:30 my feet were starting to ache.
Cecily and Sascha picked me up from work to take me to Ikea to get more things for my room and I bought them meatballs as a thank you, they also got to meet Oscar. As it was quite late by the time we got back from Ikea, I only made my bed, set my laptop up (and still need to figure out how it works!) and finally signed the lease, although I still haven't paid the deposit yet as it's all been so rushed. unpacking etc. can wait until tomorrow.
Moved all my bags into my new room, which is much bigger than I remembered and then instantly got distracted by the kitten! He is called Oscar and he is very cute, I will send pictures to prove it soon. No time to unpack or sort anything out as there was a CS BBQ party to go to, which I invited Salim to as well. It was a really nice little party with some people I'd met before and some I hadn't.
The next morning I had to get up bright and early for my first Saturday shift at the Running Room. As I haven't bought any food yet, I got up extra early to look for somewhere for breakfast and found a lovely place near the corner of Whyte avenue (where all the hipsters and students hang out). I spent most of the day moving shoe boxes around and kinda enjoyed it really, although by 6:30 my feet were starting to ache.
Cecily and Sascha picked me up from work to take me to Ikea to get more things for my room and I bought them meatballs as a thank you, they also got to meet Oscar. As it was quite late by the time we got back from Ikea, I only made my bed, set my laptop up (and still need to figure out how it works!) and finally signed the lease, although I still haven't paid the deposit yet as it's all been so rushed. unpacking etc. can wait until tomorrow.
Friday, 20 September 2013
Day 19: so far...
I thought I'd write something now as I'm moving house soon so may not be able to post again until I figure everything out and get unpacked.
Today I had to try and get more things that I need for my new place. I failed to get a duvet as they were too expensive so I have instead persuaded Cecily to take me to Ikea over the weekend and will borrow a sleeping bag until then.
I did have success buying a laptop, thanks to consulting with my dad, no thanks to the salesmen in the shop. They were few and far between so I had to wait ages, then he wasted so much time trying to sell me more stuff that I don't want or need. Gah! I hate salesmen! On the walk back I had another random chat with a stranger. I'm clearly not getting used to it yet as I initially thought he must be wanting to rob me, but no, we just chatted for a few blocks and went our separate ways.
I had potentially my last ever lunch at the Italian Centre Cafe, then went to a job interview. The weather can be really cold in the morning and really hot by midday here, so I was not too happy wearing heels, skirt and shirt but I seem to have convinced them that I'm not a complete lunatic and might be capable of working, so they have invited me back for a second stage before deciding. yay!
I think I'm now all packed up again (not very neatly this time) and waiting to get picked up by my new housemate. No time to settle in as I'm going to a BBQ later, then working tomorrow. Phew! Time is starting to fly.
Today I had to try and get more things that I need for my new place. I failed to get a duvet as they were too expensive so I have instead persuaded Cecily to take me to Ikea over the weekend and will borrow a sleeping bag until then.
I did have success buying a laptop, thanks to consulting with my dad, no thanks to the salesmen in the shop. They were few and far between so I had to wait ages, then he wasted so much time trying to sell me more stuff that I don't want or need. Gah! I hate salesmen! On the walk back I had another random chat with a stranger. I'm clearly not getting used to it yet as I initially thought he must be wanting to rob me, but no, we just chatted for a few blocks and went our separate ways.
I had potentially my last ever lunch at the Italian Centre Cafe, then went to a job interview. The weather can be really cold in the morning and really hot by midday here, so I was not too happy wearing heels, skirt and shirt but I seem to have convinced them that I'm not a complete lunatic and might be capable of working, so they have invited me back for a second stage before deciding. yay!
I think I'm now all packed up again (not very neatly this time) and waiting to get picked up by my new housemate. No time to settle in as I'm going to a BBQ later, then working tomorrow. Phew! Time is starting to fly.
Thursday, 19 September 2013
Day 18: Nothing to report
So, today I went to work, ate lunch at "Bad Ass Jacks" again, then went to the shops to try and buy some bedding for my new place so I can move in tomorrow.
Its been a long time since I was "new" at anything so I feel a bit lost and confused sometimes at work. I'm not sure I'll ever learn as much as everyone else seems to know about the products, and I feel a bit useless when a customer asks me something and I just have to go find someone else. It's all part of the fun though!
I managed to get home on the bus with huge bags, so no taxi required. I'll just need to go back downtown tomorrow morning for a duvet.
By the time I'd got myself fed and home again it was a bit too late to bother with the CS meet-up this week, but I've been invited to a BBQ tomorrow so that will make up for it.
Things are starting to get more normal and less touristy. Bah.
Its been a long time since I was "new" at anything so I feel a bit lost and confused sometimes at work. I'm not sure I'll ever learn as much as everyone else seems to know about the products, and I feel a bit useless when a customer asks me something and I just have to go find someone else. It's all part of the fun though!
I managed to get home on the bus with huge bags, so no taxi required. I'll just need to go back downtown tomorrow morning for a duvet.
By the time I'd got myself fed and home again it was a bit too late to bother with the CS meet-up this week, but I've been invited to a BBQ tomorrow so that will make up for it.
Things are starting to get more normal and less touristy. Bah.
Wednesday, 18 September 2013
Day 17: sniff sniff
Today I have mostly stayed indoors with a plentiful supply of menthol, eucalyptus, tissues and hot drinks. I have now completed the online Proserve training, which you need to have to serve liquor in Canada, so it might help me find another job. There were lots of very cheesy videos of people pretending to be drunk, and I got to cuddle some cats while doing it.
It has also dramatically cooled down outside, although its still really sunny of course! When I popped to the shops I had to wear a jacket. A JACKET! Its dropped from high twenties to maybe 12C in a day. I'm wondering whether winter will appear so dramatically!
Of course there was no way I wanted to miss run club, despite my cold. I'm a fan of the "kill or cure" approach. This week my plan was to run there, then get the bus back so that I can use my new staff discount to get some cheap trainers. Murray's "super 7" hills were slightly easier without the searing heat, although he keeps increasing the distance we have to sprint.
My new shoes were from the sale room, so with my discount as well, they came to $62 (about 40GBP). They are very pretty trail shoes. Now I must decide what to buy next...
It has also dramatically cooled down outside, although its still really sunny of course! When I popped to the shops I had to wear a jacket. A JACKET! Its dropped from high twenties to maybe 12C in a day. I'm wondering whether winter will appear so dramatically!
Of course there was no way I wanted to miss run club, despite my cold. I'm a fan of the "kill or cure" approach. This week my plan was to run there, then get the bus back so that I can use my new staff discount to get some cheap trainers. Murray's "super 7" hills were slightly easier without the searing heat, although he keeps increasing the distance we have to sprint.
My new shoes were from the sale room, so with my discount as well, they came to $62 (about 40GBP). They are very pretty trail shoes. Now I must decide what to buy next...
Day 16
Today I have mostly been feeling a bit under the weather and re-arranging sports bras at work.
I had a really good lunch in the Remedy Cafe just up the road, it seems to do Indian food so I had a chicken chana wrap and a mango lassi.
I bought some cold medicines so hopefully I'll get better quickly.
Cecily made us a curry for dinner too, which was really nice. Glad I'm only working part-time.
I had a really good lunch in the Remedy Cafe just up the road, it seems to do Indian food so I had a chicken chana wrap and a mango lassi.
I bought some cold medicines so hopefully I'll get better quickly.
Cecily made us a curry for dinner too, which was really nice. Glad I'm only working part-time.
Monday, 16 September 2013
Day 15: Two weeks in
Not much to report today. Still tired from the Banff trip.
I went to meet with a lady in an ice cream shop about potentially working there, but I'd have to give up my sunday long runs. no chance.
It was really hot again so it feels like summer to me and it looks like I got a bit burnt.
I still seem to be acting like I'm just here on holiday, but it looks like I will now have a place to live and will probably move at the weekend. I think unpacking and having to pay rent will maybe make me realise I'm here for a year and on a budget. It was a relief to get an email about this (on my phone 'cos that's what I can do now) as I was starting to get a bit disheartened about house-hunting. Now I'm looking forward to moving and settling properly. Yay!
Still can't get used to how friendly people are! someone on the bus was giving me advice about how to get rid of a cold (i've been a bit snotty and sneezy today, probably caught due to lack of sleep this weekend) and someone in a shop was talking to me about tattoos having spotted the henna on my arm. This is just today and just people I don't know. People I've met "properly" have been incredibly generous. Like the Brazilians and Couchsurfers for example. It's just not very British!
I still feel like a lost foreigner but Canada is definitely making me feel welcome. I can't imagine how depressing it must have been for Cecily when she first arrived in the UK!
I went to meet with a lady in an ice cream shop about potentially working there, but I'd have to give up my sunday long runs. no chance.
It was really hot again so it feels like summer to me and it looks like I got a bit burnt.
I still seem to be acting like I'm just here on holiday, but it looks like I will now have a place to live and will probably move at the weekend. I think unpacking and having to pay rent will maybe make me realise I'm here for a year and on a budget. It was a relief to get an email about this (on my phone 'cos that's what I can do now) as I was starting to get a bit disheartened about house-hunting. Now I'm looking forward to moving and settling properly. Yay!
Still can't get used to how friendly people are! someone on the bus was giving me advice about how to get rid of a cold (i've been a bit snotty and sneezy today, probably caught due to lack of sleep this weekend) and someone in a shop was talking to me about tattoos having spotted the henna on my arm. This is just today and just people I don't know. People I've met "properly" have been incredibly generous. Like the Brazilians and Couchsurfers for example. It's just not very British!
I still feel like a lost foreigner but Canada is definitely making me feel welcome. I can't imagine how depressing it must have been for Cecily when she first arrived in the UK!
Day 13 and 14 continued
Photos!
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| Stopping to stretch our legs on the way there |
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| Climbing up the rocks at Moraine Lake |
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| Lake Louise |
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| Making dinner at the hostel (where I invented the "mountain" game) |
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| I meant to take a picture at breakfast, as the hostel patio was lovely. Not often you get to eat breakfast in the sunshine surrounded by mountains. |
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| Banff bar crawl with the Brazilians |
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| At the start of the Sulphur Mountain trail |
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| Nearly there, Banff looking tiny below |
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| The weather station at Sanson Peak |
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| This is the view of the gondola station from Sanson Peak |
Day 13 and 14: Mountains!
The Rocky Mountains are awesome!
It took a long time to drive there (by UK standards, but a short drive by Canadian standards) and it was amazing to watch the scenery change en route. We went from long, straight roads and completely flat plains around us to rolling forests with the mountains appearing on the horizon, then we were surrounded by mountains and driving next to blue glacial rivers and under bridges covered in trees for animals to cross.
We drove straight past Banff first and went to Moraine lake, clambered over some rocks for better views and took lots of photos (to follow), then we drove to Lake Louise, which was quite crowded with tourists but an amazing blue colour with the glacier visible on the mountains behind. We went for a bit of a walk along the banks and had a refreshing paddle in the cold water.
I was travelling in a truck with four Brazilians, and another couple were in a separate car, they had made a huge amount of sandwiches for us all and were really looking after me, speaking English most of the time.
It was nearly dinner time when we checked into the hostel at Banff, and luckily for me, Brazilians really like to BBQ. We cooked a yummy dinner, got changed and headed into Banff for drinking and dancing. Despite getting them to teach me how to do samba dancing while we were cooking, I didn't actually samba at all, but I did dance a lot AND I met three mounties! unfortunately, they wouldn't let me take their picture so I have no evidence, but they were in their normal blue uniforms instead of the red which is what I really want to see.
It was a great night out, but we had our alarms set for a early start on sunday so that we could climb a mountain and go to the hot springs and leave at around lunchtime for the long drive back. despite getting up early, breakfast was really busy at the hostel so it took us a long time before we actually headed to out.
Sulphur Mountain is nearly 2,500m high, and very steep so the trail up it constantly turns and twists. There is a handy waterfall halfway up where you can refill your water bottles. It took us 1hour 45 mins to get up to the top and there were spectacular views all the way. I also enjoyed waving at the people taking the gondola ride up whenever we crossed over their route.
We had lunch at the top, then took the boardwalk path over to Sanson peak, which was a weather station in the early 1900s. N.B. Sanson would climb up the mountain over and over again to take readings, and would live up there for the whole winter, unable to get down. You can see the tiny room he lived in.
trekking up the mountain means riding the gondolas down is free and takes just eight minutes. It was already 3pm by then, so no time for hot springs, just the drive back. This time I was in the front seat and kept myself awake with some new forms of caffeine (a free can of energy drink and a chocolate bar) so that I could enjoy all of the scenery and my new friends singing along to the Brazilian radio station.
I definitely want to go back to the Rockies as many times as possible while I'm here. The Sulphur Mountain made Tunnel Mountain in Banff look practically flat and there are so many other trails to wander and mountains to climb.
It took a long time to drive there (by UK standards, but a short drive by Canadian standards) and it was amazing to watch the scenery change en route. We went from long, straight roads and completely flat plains around us to rolling forests with the mountains appearing on the horizon, then we were surrounded by mountains and driving next to blue glacial rivers and under bridges covered in trees for animals to cross.
We drove straight past Banff first and went to Moraine lake, clambered over some rocks for better views and took lots of photos (to follow), then we drove to Lake Louise, which was quite crowded with tourists but an amazing blue colour with the glacier visible on the mountains behind. We went for a bit of a walk along the banks and had a refreshing paddle in the cold water.
I was travelling in a truck with four Brazilians, and another couple were in a separate car, they had made a huge amount of sandwiches for us all and were really looking after me, speaking English most of the time.
It was nearly dinner time when we checked into the hostel at Banff, and luckily for me, Brazilians really like to BBQ. We cooked a yummy dinner, got changed and headed into Banff for drinking and dancing. Despite getting them to teach me how to do samba dancing while we were cooking, I didn't actually samba at all, but I did dance a lot AND I met three mounties! unfortunately, they wouldn't let me take their picture so I have no evidence, but they were in their normal blue uniforms instead of the red which is what I really want to see.
It was a great night out, but we had our alarms set for a early start on sunday so that we could climb a mountain and go to the hot springs and leave at around lunchtime for the long drive back. despite getting up early, breakfast was really busy at the hostel so it took us a long time before we actually headed to out.
Sulphur Mountain is nearly 2,500m high, and very steep so the trail up it constantly turns and twists. There is a handy waterfall halfway up where you can refill your water bottles. It took us 1hour 45 mins to get up to the top and there were spectacular views all the way. I also enjoyed waving at the people taking the gondola ride up whenever we crossed over their route.
We had lunch at the top, then took the boardwalk path over to Sanson peak, which was a weather station in the early 1900s. N.B. Sanson would climb up the mountain over and over again to take readings, and would live up there for the whole winter, unable to get down. You can see the tiny room he lived in.
trekking up the mountain means riding the gondolas down is free and takes just eight minutes. It was already 3pm by then, so no time for hot springs, just the drive back. This time I was in the front seat and kept myself awake with some new forms of caffeine (a free can of energy drink and a chocolate bar) so that I could enjoy all of the scenery and my new friends singing along to the Brazilian radio station.
I definitely want to go back to the Rockies as many times as possible while I'm here. The Sulphur Mountain made Tunnel Mountain in Banff look practically flat and there are so many other trails to wander and mountains to climb.
Friday, 13 September 2013
Day 12: Lanterns of joy
This has mostly been a dull day, sitting around on the internet, popping out to buy bus tickets, other boring stuff. I do like that its still really sunny here and in the high 20s, while I see people whining on facebook about rain back home. ha ha ha.
Then I got a text from a couchsurfer telling me about a street festival going on not far from here this weekend and decided to check it out. It was awesome!! There was a cuban band with lots of trumpets and trombones, there were fire poi and belly dancing people, there were clowns, there were hippie shops. We got to make our own lanterns out of tissue paper to join in with the parade, led by chinese dragons and stilt-walking lampshade people. Then there was a live band, The Do Dos, and we danced around with our lanterns near some bonfires made of tubas and trumpets.
I met a Ukrainian girl who is like a cross between Stas and Sophia! Its a shame this is happening the same weekend that I'm going away so I'll miss all the fun tomorrow, but I'm so glad I got the text and found out about it.
Off to Banff bright and early in the morning and not sure I'll get to an internet connection while I'm there, so it might be Monday before I can write again.
Then I got a text from a couchsurfer telling me about a street festival going on not far from here this weekend and decided to check it out. It was awesome!! There was a cuban band with lots of trumpets and trombones, there were fire poi and belly dancing people, there were clowns, there were hippie shops. We got to make our own lanterns out of tissue paper to join in with the parade, led by chinese dragons and stilt-walking lampshade people. Then there was a live band, The Do Dos, and we danced around with our lanterns near some bonfires made of tubas and trumpets.
I met a Ukrainian girl who is like a cross between Stas and Sophia! Its a shame this is happening the same weekend that I'm going away so I'll miss all the fun tomorrow, but I'm so glad I got the text and found out about it.
Day 11: My first day!
I went to work today! It was great! I got a free technical t-shirt, better than that, its BLUE. The other guys in the shop seem really nice. I went for lunch in a place called "bad ass Jacks". Its freezing in the shop, which makes a great change from being too hot outside all the time. Its exciting being a newbie and not knowing anything. I found my brand of shoe in their sale room.
I think that's all the good stuff. I do have to do some online training in my SPARE TIME before I can get my staff discount (boo) so i'll be doing that on Friday.
After work I went to see another house. Salim seemed friendly but I didn't meet the other housemate. Its a basement flat, so not so much stunning views, but reasonably close to shops and work and public transport. I also passed the "make friends with the dog upstairs" test. I really hate deciding.
I went straight to the weekly CS meeting after this. Salim actually gave me a lift as he was going to the shops anyway so I got there really early and sat by myself for a while eating my yummy panini and drinking my cocktail. I ended up talking to a non-CS girl as she was waiting for her friends and our groups merged when people started arriving. This week, with no more jet lag, I was keen to join people to go out dancing as well (if possible). A group of us wandered along Whyte ave and eventually ended up in a place with a drinks offer clearly aimed at students. The dance floor was empty and no-one wanted to get up first so we carried on chatting about travels and people occasionally drifted home. Eventually 3 or 4 of us made it onto the dance floor! It wasn't the best music ever but that doesn't usually stop me.
I got home just after 1am and got a text from my Aunty (from 8am in the UK)
I think that's all the good stuff. I do have to do some online training in my SPARE TIME before I can get my staff discount (boo) so i'll be doing that on Friday.
After work I went to see another house. Salim seemed friendly but I didn't meet the other housemate. Its a basement flat, so not so much stunning views, but reasonably close to shops and work and public transport. I also passed the "make friends with the dog upstairs" test. I really hate deciding.
I went straight to the weekly CS meeting after this. Salim actually gave me a lift as he was going to the shops anyway so I got there really early and sat by myself for a while eating my yummy panini and drinking my cocktail. I ended up talking to a non-CS girl as she was waiting for her friends and our groups merged when people started arriving. This week, with no more jet lag, I was keen to join people to go out dancing as well (if possible). A group of us wandered along Whyte ave and eventually ended up in a place with a drinks offer clearly aimed at students. The dance floor was empty and no-one wanted to get up first so we carried on chatting about travels and people occasionally drifted home. Eventually 3 or 4 of us made it onto the dance floor! It wasn't the best music ever but that doesn't usually stop me.
I got home just after 1am and got a text from my Aunty (from 8am in the UK)
Thursday, 12 September 2013
Day 10: The day the internet broke...
Not much to report, but I couldn't until just now as the internet stopped working.
I managed to arrange the transfer of most of my money from the UK to my brand new Canadian account, thanks to a former colleague who happened to answer the phone. I left some behind though, so I can still use my UK credit card. My new debit card is NOT visa so until I can get a Canadian credit card, I won't have anything I can use online.
I met Cecily for lunch, whinged about my choosing where to live dilemma and bank saga, then (after buying ice cream) started the online Proserve course, which you need to have to work anywhere that serves liquor.
Wednesday night is running night, so I went over to the Running Room for some joyous hill reps. I took a route home via the "most likely to win my vote" house. it's 15mins run.
I'm off for my first day of work now!!! Eeek!
I managed to arrange the transfer of most of my money from the UK to my brand new Canadian account, thanks to a former colleague who happened to answer the phone. I left some behind though, so I can still use my UK credit card. My new debit card is NOT visa so until I can get a Canadian credit card, I won't have anything I can use online.
I met Cecily for lunch, whinged about my choosing where to live dilemma and bank saga, then (after buying ice cream) started the online Proserve course, which you need to have to work anywhere that serves liquor.
Wednesday night is running night, so I went over to the Running Room for some joyous hill reps. I took a route home via the "most likely to win my vote" house. it's 15mins run.
I'm off for my first day of work now!!! Eeek!
Tuesday, 10 September 2013
Day 9
This morning I had my appointment at the bank. I now have a bank account and debit card. This means I can get paid!
My next job was to try and find the correct way to the house I saw, to see how long the walk is, check out the nearby bus stops and how long the walk is to my new employment. I detoured quite a lot to wander round the shops, get some ice cream and some lunch and also got a henna tattoo, then I handed in all my paperwork at the running room and arranged to start on thursday!
I met up with a couchsurfer again on my way home, all in all a pretty dull day with lots and lots of walking, but it's still really sunny and warm and lovely to just wander around.
Still haven't decided about houses so I'll sleep on it again.
My next job was to try and find the correct way to the house I saw, to see how long the walk is, check out the nearby bus stops and how long the walk is to my new employment. I detoured quite a lot to wander round the shops, get some ice cream and some lunch and also got a henna tattoo, then I handed in all my paperwork at the running room and arranged to start on thursday!
I met up with a couchsurfer again on my way home, all in all a pretty dull day with lots and lots of walking, but it's still really sunny and warm and lovely to just wander around.
Still haven't decided about houses so I'll sleep on it again.
Day 8: First week survived
I started off wanting to have a whole day faffing on the internet and not leaving the house much. I had an appointment to see a house at 7pm and would have to go out to hunt down food, but that was it. By lunchtime I had managed to arrange another couple of house viewings to add to this. Just as I was about to go into the Italian cafe nearby for lunch, my phone started ringing. It was Ed, the manager from the Running Room, and he wanted to have a chat about the job application I'd given in last week. This is exciting! Although totally screws up my lazy plans.
It all sounded pretty informal so I just changed to a slightly smarter t-shirt. In the "interview" we mostly chatted about running. He said he'd love to have me as part of the team and gave me lots of paperwork to fill in. Assuming my referees say nice things, I have a job! Yay! AND a staff discount off running kit!!
I was really cheerful walking up the road to the first house viewing, but it was on a really busy road and in the process of being renovated. it was cheap, but really not ideal.
The next place was lovely. It was on a quiet tree-lined road, right near public transport routes, supermarkets close by, and most importantly lovely people! They run a business from home designing ways to make houses more environmentally friendly. They have communal meals and are generally sociable together.
The 7pm appointment was in a strange place and I had trouble finding it. No nearby shops but slightly cheaper rent and very close to the river valley trails. It was a nice big house, the bedroom furniture was better, and it might still be reasonably close to the Running Room. When I asked if there was somewhere nearby I could get some dinner, the landlady decided to drive us over to Whyte avenue for food instead of just pointing me up the road and we had a really nice and cheap teriyaki.
I'm not sure whether to keep looking at more places or just decide between the last two I've seen.
It all sounded pretty informal so I just changed to a slightly smarter t-shirt. In the "interview" we mostly chatted about running. He said he'd love to have me as part of the team and gave me lots of paperwork to fill in. Assuming my referees say nice things, I have a job! Yay! AND a staff discount off running kit!!
I was really cheerful walking up the road to the first house viewing, but it was on a really busy road and in the process of being renovated. it was cheap, but really not ideal.
The next place was lovely. It was on a quiet tree-lined road, right near public transport routes, supermarkets close by, and most importantly lovely people! They run a business from home designing ways to make houses more environmentally friendly. They have communal meals and are generally sociable together.
The 7pm appointment was in a strange place and I had trouble finding it. No nearby shops but slightly cheaper rent and very close to the river valley trails. It was a nice big house, the bedroom furniture was better, and it might still be reasonably close to the Running Room. When I asked if there was somewhere nearby I could get some dinner, the landlady decided to drive us over to Whyte avenue for food instead of just pointing me up the road and we had a really nice and cheap teriyaki.
I'm not sure whether to keep looking at more places or just decide between the last two I've seen.
Sunday, 8 September 2013
Day 7: more tourism
So today started with my second trip to the Running Room for the Sunday Long Run. There are a LOT of people who turn up to these runs, and they all seem friendly. I set out with a group going for either 18K or 23K, it gradually separated into different speed groups leaving just five of us running together after the 18K split. I kept wishing I'd bought my camera with me as it was a great way to see a lot of the city, especially the nice river valley roads and the "posh" end of town. I miss my running buddies, but at least I don't have to try and do all my running on my own, I think I will like these running room groups.
After rushing home for quick shower, I headed out to Fort Edmonton Park with a group of Couchsurfers. I was quite excited about this and it was just as good as I expected. It is a historical reconstruction type open air museum with people wandering around in character who will tell you endless information about Alberta's history. It usually starts with a steam train, but this was closed for maintenance. My disappointment didn't last long as instead we got to ride in a street car (tram) from the 1920s for half the journey, then a horse and cart the rest of the way... back to 1795!
The first section is the fort, where we learnt all about the fur trade, particularly beaver fur, particularly for making top hats for rich English folk. It was great just poking around nosing into all the buildings. We then went through 1885 street, looking at the settlement houses and shops, and we discovered "honey sticks", which is some sort of Edmonton thing. its a plastic tube full of honey, there are different flavours. Getting the tube open with your teeth is something that requires learning the knack. Canadians are weird.
Next was 1905 street, it was turning into a nice warm day so we wandered very slowly through to 1920 street. This had the cinema, with a short film introduced by a guy in character. it started as a small black and white silent movie, then expanded out to the whole theatre, across three walls, with "snow" coming down from the ceiling. We then bought ice creams and headed to the Midway (canadian word for fun fair), getting there just in time to catch the last ferris wheel ride. I felt like a seven year old but it was fun! I was quite disappointed that they just had posters for freak show people, there was no actual bearded lady.
It was a great day, and I think I learnt a minimal amount of history in the process but got to spend time with a very diverse group of couchsurfers. I was definitely the newest in town, some had been here a few weeks, or months, or years and there was one local.
For the evening I had arranged to go and see a house belonging to a friend of a friend of Cecily's. All three of us went, and it was a pretty amazing place. The rented bit is basically the whole of the basement, and its huge. It would include absolutely everything, and Dawn is lovely too. She has travelled a lot, and has spent the last few days being a simulated patient for trainee doctors. I need to see more places before I decide, and it may be out of my price range, but it was fairly close to the Running Room! It would be amazing to live there.
After rushing home for quick shower, I headed out to Fort Edmonton Park with a group of Couchsurfers. I was quite excited about this and it was just as good as I expected. It is a historical reconstruction type open air museum with people wandering around in character who will tell you endless information about Alberta's history. It usually starts with a steam train, but this was closed for maintenance. My disappointment didn't last long as instead we got to ride in a street car (tram) from the 1920s for half the journey, then a horse and cart the rest of the way... back to 1795!
The first section is the fort, where we learnt all about the fur trade, particularly beaver fur, particularly for making top hats for rich English folk. It was great just poking around nosing into all the buildings. We then went through 1885 street, looking at the settlement houses and shops, and we discovered "honey sticks", which is some sort of Edmonton thing. its a plastic tube full of honey, there are different flavours. Getting the tube open with your teeth is something that requires learning the knack. Canadians are weird.
Next was 1905 street, it was turning into a nice warm day so we wandered very slowly through to 1920 street. This had the cinema, with a short film introduced by a guy in character. it started as a small black and white silent movie, then expanded out to the whole theatre, across three walls, with "snow" coming down from the ceiling. We then bought ice creams and headed to the Midway (canadian word for fun fair), getting there just in time to catch the last ferris wheel ride. I felt like a seven year old but it was fun! I was quite disappointed that they just had posters for freak show people, there was no actual bearded lady.
It was a great day, and I think I learnt a minimal amount of history in the process but got to spend time with a very diverse group of couchsurfers. I was definitely the newest in town, some had been here a few weeks, or months, or years and there was one local.
For the evening I had arranged to go and see a house belonging to a friend of a friend of Cecily's. All three of us went, and it was a pretty amazing place. The rented bit is basically the whole of the basement, and its huge. It would include absolutely everything, and Dawn is lovely too. She has travelled a lot, and has spent the last few days being a simulated patient for trainee doctors. I need to see more places before I decide, and it may be out of my price range, but it was fairly close to the Running Room! It would be amazing to live there.
Saturday, 7 September 2013
Day 6: Saturday!
Today has been exciting.
Me and Cecily went to help one of her friends move house. I was quite impressed by how little stuff there was to move compared to the vast amounts of junk I own, and I got to meet three more lovely people and see what some more flats and different areas in Edmonton look like.
I had been feeling quite anxious about "new people" and missing all my friends, but thought I really need to make the effort.
I joined Cecily, Sascha and another friend very briefly downtown before getting picked up by some of my new couchsurfing friends for a BBQ. This sounded strange to me, as today it finally cooled down and was raining, but basically, they were in a flat with a BBQ on their balcony for cooking their food. It turned out to be a whole group of Brazilians but they all changed to speaking English instead of Portuguese for me, and they shared their delicious food. They were very generous and friendly. I feel really happy to be in Edmonton with such lovely welcoming people as I've met today.
I think I have also managed to arrange a hectic day for myself tomorrow and I have started getting used to my smart phone. I even have a few phone numbers saved in it now!
Me and Cecily went to help one of her friends move house. I was quite impressed by how little stuff there was to move compared to the vast amounts of junk I own, and I got to meet three more lovely people and see what some more flats and different areas in Edmonton look like.
I had been feeling quite anxious about "new people" and missing all my friends, but thought I really need to make the effort.
I joined Cecily, Sascha and another friend very briefly downtown before getting picked up by some of my new couchsurfing friends for a BBQ. This sounded strange to me, as today it finally cooled down and was raining, but basically, they were in a flat with a BBQ on their balcony for cooking their food. It turned out to be a whole group of Brazilians but they all changed to speaking English instead of Portuguese for me, and they shared their delicious food. They were very generous and friendly. I feel really happy to be in Edmonton with such lovely welcoming people as I've met today.
I think I have also managed to arrange a hectic day for myself tomorrow and I have started getting used to my smart phone. I even have a few phone numbers saved in it now!
Day 5: Tourism!
Today I had a break from all the attempting to sort my life out and went touristy with a Couchsurfer called Ahmed who came here in June to start a new job.
First we went to the Muttard Conservatory, which has four pyramid-shaped greenhouses representing different climates. From across the river valley, it looks huge but isn't as big as it looks so we were done after half an hour or so. I did really like it though. We had a nice lunch in their cafe where I got to try green onion cakes, which are apparently a local speciality. Mine was served with pulled pork and cabbage and a nice pot of tea. I also picked up some trail maps of the river valley, which should come in handy.
After a wander around the trails, we went on the Edmonton Queen paddle steamer. This sounded pretty exciting to me, but we actually only went a few hundred metres up and down the river. Saw some seagulls and trees and one guy pottering around on a small beach. All in all a bit lame so I really appreciated the company. A local on the boat told us that it usually goes further, but the water level is quite low at the moment.
In the evening I met Cecily, Sascha and some of their friends for after-work drinks and a burger. It was nice to see people I'd met when I came to visit last year and also a couple from England who have moved here to work. Even after just a few days, hearing an English accent is really strange! To tick off another local speciality, I had my second ever Caesar drink. Its... interesting. Clamato (clam and tomato juice - don't ask me why), vodka, tabasco, worcester sauce and celery salt round the glass. Hopefully more tourism on Sunday.
First we went to the Muttard Conservatory, which has four pyramid-shaped greenhouses representing different climates. From across the river valley, it looks huge but isn't as big as it looks so we were done after half an hour or so. I did really like it though. We had a nice lunch in their cafe where I got to try green onion cakes, which are apparently a local speciality. Mine was served with pulled pork and cabbage and a nice pot of tea. I also picked up some trail maps of the river valley, which should come in handy.
After a wander around the trails, we went on the Edmonton Queen paddle steamer. This sounded pretty exciting to me, but we actually only went a few hundred metres up and down the river. Saw some seagulls and trees and one guy pottering around on a small beach. All in all a bit lame so I really appreciated the company. A local on the boat told us that it usually goes further, but the water level is quite low at the moment.
In the evening I met Cecily, Sascha and some of their friends for after-work drinks and a burger. It was nice to see people I'd met when I came to visit last year and also a couple from England who have moved here to work. Even after just a few days, hearing an English accent is really strange! To tick off another local speciality, I had my second ever Caesar drink. Its... interesting. Clamato (clam and tomato juice - don't ask me why), vodka, tabasco, worcester sauce and celery salt round the glass. Hopefully more tourism on Sunday.
Friday, 6 September 2013
Day 4
Today I really felt lost and foreign. For my first task of the day I went to "The Future Store" to get myself a phone. Oh how I hate buying technology. Dave at the cellphone stand was very helpful and I was persuaded to get a smart phone. When he was going through the features he said "sorry if this is too basic for you" but maybe he didn't pick up on the fact that it had all gone completely over my head. I then asked how to unlock it and how to switch it off and on, to which he did give me a bit of a strange look, but he was very understanding. So I am now the proud owner of both an ipod AND a smart phone, get me!
I then got confused by the menu in the place I went for lunch, and in heading back downtown suddenly couldn't find anything that I had successfully found before. It was like Edmonton had been reshuffled.
I added my brand new phone number to my CV in the library, then started wandering around looking for places that might be desperate enough to hire me. This is something I haven't done for maybe a decade so, again, I felt very lost.
In the evening, there was a Couchsurfers meeting, which I thought would be a good opportunity to meet more people. When I arrived there were about six people and this increased gradually over the next couple of hours. It was a nice little bar, with nice cocktails and everybody there was friendly and interesting. I like Couchsurfers!
I have arranged to do some touristy things with a few of them, which is way better than going on my own. I'll definitely go to the next meet-up in two weeks time. That was a pretty good end to the day.
I then got confused by the menu in the place I went for lunch, and in heading back downtown suddenly couldn't find anything that I had successfully found before. It was like Edmonton had been reshuffled.
I added my brand new phone number to my CV in the library, then started wandering around looking for places that might be desperate enough to hire me. This is something I haven't done for maybe a decade so, again, I felt very lost.
In the evening, there was a Couchsurfers meeting, which I thought would be a good opportunity to meet more people. When I arrived there were about six people and this increased gradually over the next couple of hours. It was a nice little bar, with nice cocktails and everybody there was friendly and interesting. I like Couchsurfers!
I have arranged to do some touristy things with a few of them, which is way better than going on my own. I'll definitely go to the next meet-up in two weeks time. That was a pretty good end to the day.
Thursday, 5 September 2013
Day 3
This morning I went to the bank to open an account. I knew I had to make an appointment but assumed it would be that day... I now have an appointment for next Tuesday.
Had lunch in town and noticed a few "we're hiring" signs, so thought I might wander around desperately tomorrow with a handful of CVs. In preparation for this, I went to the library and got my free library card (they are usually $12 a year, but they are celebrating their anniversary) found a computer and printed out a few CVs. The problem is that I still don't have a phone, so only my email address is available to contact me. "Getting a cellphone" is bumped up higher on my mental to do list.
I have attempted to walk back to Cecily's place along a different street each time. 95th has roadworks and dust, 96th has slightly scary people hanging about. So far I prefer 97th - China town. Bought myself a nice bubble tea to cool me down.
This evening was my first Running Room group run at the 109th street store. The bus there is the heat was pretty horrible, but I found it OK and handed in an application form for a job (fingers crossed). As I was 15mins early, I had a look round the shop and lusted after all the lovely running kit. There were lots of other people in there waiting for the runs who told me they would make announcements when it was all starting. I decided to do 7 hills with the marathon training group.
As it turned out, it was a particularly long and steep hill and there was the added bonus of a marked 50m stretch near the bottom for full-on sprinting. the hills group was by far the largest and everyone was very encouraging and friendly. there were quite a few other newbies, which was nice. they do hills every wednesday but with slight alterations so I'll definitely keep going, and on sunday they meet for long runs. I miss my Coventry running buddies!
I decided it was far too hot still to get the bus back so set off to try and find my way on foot. As I ran through a nice park I saw a giant jack rabbit loping along. Quite different to the cute little bunny rabbits at Warwick. I also ran up 104th street, which is part of the Edmonton heritage trail. Maybe I should have bought my camera with me!
Had lunch in town and noticed a few "we're hiring" signs, so thought I might wander around desperately tomorrow with a handful of CVs. In preparation for this, I went to the library and got my free library card (they are usually $12 a year, but they are celebrating their anniversary) found a computer and printed out a few CVs. The problem is that I still don't have a phone, so only my email address is available to contact me. "Getting a cellphone" is bumped up higher on my mental to do list.
I have attempted to walk back to Cecily's place along a different street each time. 95th has roadworks and dust, 96th has slightly scary people hanging about. So far I prefer 97th - China town. Bought myself a nice bubble tea to cool me down.
This evening was my first Running Room group run at the 109th street store. The bus there is the heat was pretty horrible, but I found it OK and handed in an application form for a job (fingers crossed). As I was 15mins early, I had a look round the shop and lusted after all the lovely running kit. There were lots of other people in there waiting for the runs who told me they would make announcements when it was all starting. I decided to do 7 hills with the marathon training group.
As it turned out, it was a particularly long and steep hill and there was the added bonus of a marked 50m stretch near the bottom for full-on sprinting. the hills group was by far the largest and everyone was very encouraging and friendly. there were quite a few other newbies, which was nice. they do hills every wednesday but with slight alterations so I'll definitely keep going, and on sunday they meet for long runs. I miss my Coventry running buddies!
I decided it was far too hot still to get the bus back so set off to try and find my way on foot. As I ran through a nice park I saw a giant jack rabbit loping along. Quite different to the cute little bunny rabbits at Warwick. I also ran up 104th street, which is part of the Edmonton heritage trail. Maybe I should have bought my camera with me!
Wednesday, 4 September 2013
Day 2: Thinking about starting to Get Stuff Done
I was expecting to wake up ridiculously early but I managed to not get up until 6:30am (1:30pm UK time), yeah, that's right Jet Lag, I'll show you.
I got to the Service Canada office not long after they opened, didn't have to queue and am now the proud owner of a Social Insurance Number, which allows me to work in Canada.
For most of the morning I then wandered around downtown "getting my bearings" and picking up leaflets from banks and cellphone shops. Also bought a cake!
Most of the afternoon was spent looking for flatshares online and sending out emails. When Sacha came home from work, she help suggest places I could get a haircut, but this also led to buying chocolates and an icecream.
The three of us then wandered downtown to watch a bike race, which was kinda cool, especially watching the start and the downhill bit. Lycra and silly hats aplenty!
We got some dinner in a family run Vietnamese place before meeting up with two friends, Anna and Duncan, and their dog Bruce to play a board game called Settlers of Catan.
Oliver the cat seems a bit confused by the strange giant cat but there was no Tom and Jerry style mayhem.
Compared to the UK, it seems like bank accounts really suck. If there was a way to just keep all your cash hidden instead of in the bank, you'd be much better off. Maybe I'll try and open an account tomorrow.
I got to the Service Canada office not long after they opened, didn't have to queue and am now the proud owner of a Social Insurance Number, which allows me to work in Canada.
For most of the morning I then wandered around downtown "getting my bearings" and picking up leaflets from banks and cellphone shops. Also bought a cake!
Most of the afternoon was spent looking for flatshares online and sending out emails. When Sacha came home from work, she help suggest places I could get a haircut, but this also led to buying chocolates and an icecream.
The three of us then wandered downtown to watch a bike race, which was kinda cool, especially watching the start and the downhill bit. Lycra and silly hats aplenty!
We got some dinner in a family run Vietnamese place before meeting up with two friends, Anna and Duncan, and their dog Bruce to play a board game called Settlers of Catan.
Compared to the UK, it seems like bank accounts really suck. If there was a way to just keep all your cash hidden instead of in the bank, you'd be much better off. Maybe I'll try and open an account tomorrow.
Tuesday, 3 September 2013
Welcome to Canada!
Day one went well!
The taxi was booked for 2:50am, coach from pool meadow at 3:30. Coventry is completely deserted at 3am on a Monday, it was very strange but I couldn't help grinning because I was so excited!
I was a bit too anxious to sleep much before my alarm but was planning to try and sleep a bit on the coach. That plan failed as a WMG student was getting the same coach so we chatted for the whole journey instead! mostly about places we've been and where we'd like to go.
After checking my huge bags in, I found a milkshake stand where I could get a banana and coffee shake, this partly solved the no sleep problem. Still felt like I had just massively overpacked for a holiday, rather than not returning for a year.
Lots of films, cups of tea, and chatting to an Edmonton goldsmith later, the flight arrived slightly late in Edmonton. Tired, but wired I joined the queue for visas, then found Cecily waiting for me with a pile of knitting, a hug, and a ride to her lovely flat.
When I came to visit last year everything was covered in snow, so it was great driving round and recognising things but seeing what they actually look like for the first time.
Finally met Sacha and re-introduced myself to the cats.
Cecily and Sacha took me to a nice cafe with a patio to enjoy the lovely weather and eat a really yummy burger and poutine. Turns out you can get Rekorderlig and Crabbies here, so yay!
I managed to stay awake til about 7:30pm I think, so that's 2:30am UK time, with no more than a couple of hours sleep in the last couple of days I thought that was good enough.
Day two should hopefully be a day for Getting Stuff Done.
The taxi was booked for 2:50am, coach from pool meadow at 3:30. Coventry is completely deserted at 3am on a Monday, it was very strange but I couldn't help grinning because I was so excited!
I was a bit too anxious to sleep much before my alarm but was planning to try and sleep a bit on the coach. That plan failed as a WMG student was getting the same coach so we chatted for the whole journey instead! mostly about places we've been and where we'd like to go.
After checking my huge bags in, I found a milkshake stand where I could get a banana and coffee shake, this partly solved the no sleep problem. Still felt like I had just massively overpacked for a holiday, rather than not returning for a year.
Lots of films, cups of tea, and chatting to an Edmonton goldsmith later, the flight arrived slightly late in Edmonton. Tired, but wired I joined the queue for visas, then found Cecily waiting for me with a pile of knitting, a hug, and a ride to her lovely flat.
When I came to visit last year everything was covered in snow, so it was great driving round and recognising things but seeing what they actually look like for the first time.
Finally met Sacha and re-introduced myself to the cats.
Cecily and Sacha took me to a nice cafe with a patio to enjoy the lovely weather and eat a really yummy burger and poutine. Turns out you can get Rekorderlig and Crabbies here, so yay!
I managed to stay awake til about 7:30pm I think, so that's 2:30am UK time, with no more than a couple of hours sleep in the last couple of days I thought that was good enough.
Day two should hopefully be a day for Getting Stuff Done.
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